When Reba McEntire, 16‑time ACM Award winner, took the stage as host of the 60th Academy of Country Music AwardsFord Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas, the night instantly turned into a celebration of six decades of country music history.
The ceremony, streamed live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Twitch channel, reached fans in more than 240 countries. It wasn’t just a night of awards — it was a showcase of unprecedented collaborations, surprise duets, and a reminder of how the genre has evolved.
Why the 60th Matters
The Academy of Country Music (Academy of Country Music) was founded in 1966, making it the longest‑running country‑music awards show in the United States. The 60th edition marks a milestone that few ceremonies get to celebrate, and the organizers leaned into the number, curating a lineup that spanned legends and fresh faces.
Back in 2022, the ACM broke new ground by becoming the first major awards program to livestream exclusively. This year, that digital‑first mindset paid off: viewership peaked at 12.4 million across platforms, according to Amazon’s internal reports.
All‑Star Performer Roster
From the moment the first name was announced on March 20, the buzz was palpable. Blake Shelton promised a rendition of his chart‑topping single “Texas.” Eric Church was set to toe the line between his new album “Evangeline Vs. The Machine” and his classic hits. And Lainey Wilson, the reigning Entertainer of the Year, was slated for multiple performances.
- Alan Jackson – a 12‑time ACM winner, performing a medley of his hits.
- Brooks & Dunn – the iconic duo (Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn) teaming up with Cody Johnson.
- Chris Stapleton – delivering his soulful ballad “You Should Probably Leave.”
- Clint Black – reviving “Rhinestone Cowboy” for the first time in five years.
- Kelsea Ballerini, LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Wynonna Judd – each adding a unique flavor to the night.
Newcomers also shone. 2024 ACM New Female Artist of the Year Megan Moroney joined the stage, while New Artist of the Year winners Ella Langley and Zach Top made surprise appearances.
Historic Collaborations that Stunned Fans
One of the biggest talk‑of‑the‑town moments arrived when the Backstreet Boys (AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell) shared the mic with Rascal Flatts. The mash‑up of “I Want It That Way” and “Life Is a Highway” earned a standing ovation.
Equally electrifying was the pairing of rapper‑singer Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) with African‑beat artist Shaboozey (Collins Obinna Chibueze). Backed by a sixteen‑member choir, their performance of “Amen” bridged genre lines in a way few expected.
Brooks & Dunn and Cody Johnson tackled “Red Dirt Road,” while Miranda Lambert invited Ella Langley onstage for a fiery rendition of “Kerosene,” commemorating the song’s 20‑year anniversary. Finally, Reba, Miranda, and Lainey debuted an unreleased track titled “Trailblazer,” marking the first ever ACM‑premiered collaboration of three female powerhouses.
Award Winners and Record‑Setting Moments
Lainey Wilson captured the coveted Entertainer of the Year trophy for the second year running, cementing her status as a contemporary country icon. Ella Langley walked away with five awards – the most of any artist that night – followed closely by Wilson’s four.
Other notable wins included Morgan Wallen taking Male Vocalist of the Year, and Tyler Childers earning Songwriter of the Year for his poignant ballad “Heartbreak Highway.”
Production Details and the Streaming Push
The night was produced by Dick Clark Productions (Dick Clark Productions), with Raj Kapoor serving as executive producer and showrunner. Co‑executive producer Patrick Menton, executive producer Damon Whiteside (for the Academy), and DCP execs Jay Penske and Barry Adelman oversaw the logistics that turned a Texas arena into a global stage.
Consulting producer John Saade (Amazon MGM Studios) ensured the livestream experience was seamless. According to Nielsen, the event generated a 15 % lift in Prime Video subscriptions in the U.S. during the broadcast window.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Country Music
The 60th ACM Awards showed that the genre can honor its roots while embracing cross‑genre experiments. Industry analysts, like Emily Baker of Billboard, note that the collaborations hinted at a future where country charts could regularly feature pop‑rap hybrids.
For fans, the night reaffirmed why the ACM remains a cultural touchstone. As Reba summed up in her closing remarks, “We’ve spent sixty years telling stories – and we’ll keep writing new ones, together.”
Key Facts
- Date & Time: May 8, 2025, 7 p.m. CST
- Venue: Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas
- Host: Reba McEntire
- Live Stream: Prime Video & Amazon Music Twitch channel (240+ countries)
- Entertainer of the Year: Lainey Wilson (2nd consecutive win)
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the 60th ACM Awards impact streaming numbers?
Prime Video reported a 15 % increase in new subscriptions during the broadcast, while the Amazon Music Twitch channel saw a record‑high concurrent viewership of 3.2 million, underscoring the event’s global pull.
Which new collaborations surprised fans the most?
The mash‑up of the Backstreet Boys with Rascal Flatts and Jelly Roll’s duet with Shaboozey were the standout surprises, blending pop‑boy‑band nostalgia with country harmonies and African‑beat rhythms.
What does Lainey Wilson’s back‑to‑back Entertainer win mean for her career?
Winning consecutively cements Wilson’s place among country’s elite, aligning her with legends like Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, and positions her for larger crossover opportunities.
Who were the biggest newcomers recognized at the ceremony?
Ella Langley led the night with five total wins, including New Artist of the Year, while Megan Moroney received notable stage time and Zach Top earned a surprise cameo during the final medley.
Will the ACM continue to experiment with genre‑blending performances?
Industry insiders say the positive audience response to cross‑genre numbers this year will likely encourage more collaborations in future shows, potentially reshaping the awards format.
